This mixed-methods study explores EFL teachers’ attitudes toward social-emotional learning (SEL) and well-being in Poland and Ukraine, focusing on how socio-demographic factors and professional contexts influence these perspectives. Findings reveal that younger Polish teachers, generally more open to adopting innovative SEL strategies, demonstrated higher engagement in SEL practices, while older, more experienced Ukrainian teachers exhibited a robust commitment to well-being but faced greater challenges in implementing SEL due to socio-political pressures. Age and institutional environment were significant factors in shaping teachers’ SEL engagement, emphasizing the need for professional development programs tailored to these demographic and contextual differences. The study also found that Polish teachers more frequently used well-being apps, while Ukrainian teachers, facing the stresses of teaching in a conflict zone, showed a more cautious approach to managing their workload and self-care. These insights highlight the necessity of contextualized SEL and well-being teacher training and strategies that account for the distinct educational and socio-political landscapes in each country, contributing to ongoing discussions about enhancing teacher well-being and SEL engagement in diverse contexts.